Best America's Whiskey Bars (Part 1)

Whiskey bars, which offer that luxury, are growing in popularity and have become a welcome alternative to neighborhood tippling spots and upscale wine lounges. Let's check the best whiskey bars in America below to visit.

Stepping into Jack Rose Dining Saloon is a whiskey lover’s dream. Walls are lined with more than 1,500 bottles of spirits, and guests can enjoy a drink in multiple venues: The bar’s main level boasts mahogany chairs and a polished wooden bar, while the upstairs area offers an outdoor terrace and laid-back atmosphere. Travel downstairs to the saloon’s whiskey cellar for private tastings of rare, antique whiskey.

Rickhouse, San Francisco

San Francisco’s Rickhouse is usually packed to the brim, and for good reason: The bar’s sky-high shelves of liquor, stunning wood interiors, and live music make it the perfect place to enjoy a drink. Whiskey is the beverage of choice, and guests can sample artisanal cocktails made from all-natural ingredients. “Rye Maple Fizz” includes rye, lemon, maple syrup, and egg white while “La Bonne Vie” combines Plymouth, fresh lemon, grapefruit juice, and basil.

Ward III, New York City

Founded by three journeymen bartenders, New York City’s Ward III elevates cocktail-making to an art form. The upscale lounge features dark, understated interiors and a menu with an impressive range of bitters, spices, and spirits. Popular pours include the bar’s eponymous cocktail “Ward III,” with Heaven Hill Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon; and the “Asylum” with Asyla Whisky, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth. “Bespoke cocktails” allow guests to customize their drinks: Browse categories such as spirit, texture, and spice to create a unique flavor profile.

The Silver Dollar, Louisville, Kentucky

Located in the heart of bourbon country, The Silver Dollar features “whiskey by the drink.” The popular bar and music venue boasts an extensive menu of spirits, ranging from hard-to-find Pappy Van Winkle’s 23-year-aged reserve bourbon to White Lightning rye. Whiskeys are organized by distillery, so guests know the origins of their drinks. But don’t expect to see any Tennessee-based spirits: The bar keeps its focus on in-state distilleries, showcasing the area’s best bourbon.

Bluegrass Tavern, Lexington, Kentucky

In a region known for its bourbon bars, Bluegrass Tavern is a cut above the rest: The bar features more than 230 bourbons and whiskeys, including rare, hard-to-find bottles like Single Barrel Secretariat or Four Roses Limited Small Batch. While top-shelf bottles run around $200 per ounce, visitors can also find more affordable pours like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. Classic drinks are made with care, and guests can sip a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned while chatting with knowledgeable bartenders.

Rob Roy, Seattle

Step back in time at Seattle’s Rob Roy: The bar’s pre-Prohibition style interiors, dim lighting, and warm-red tones create a mellow atmosphere, and visitors can relax with a drink on plush leather couches. Popular cocktails include the “Colonel” with bourbon and apricot liqueur, and “Leaf & Silo” with bourbon, Cocchi Americano, and Branca Menta.

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